Philip M. Nichols

Philip M. Nichols is the Joseph Kolodny Professor of Social Responsibility in Business and Professor of Legal Studies and Business Ethics at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. He holds a J.D. and LL.M. from Duke University and an A.B. from Harvard University. His scholarly and professional work centers on corruption control, institutional change in emerging economies, and ethical business practices.

Research Interests: His research spans corruption as a global phenomenon, anti-bribery laws, shared value strategies, and the psychological and legal dimensions of bribery. He has conducted fieldwork in over twenty countries, especially in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. His work integrates legal, ethical, economic, and sociological perspectives.

Publication Trends: His recent publications focus on the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and the moral and cognitive foundations of bribery. He frequently publishes in top law and ethics journals and contributes to authoritative commentaries. His interdisciplinary approach bridges law, psychology, and business ethics.

Scientific Awards:

• Hoeber Award for best article in volume 48 of the American Business Law Journal (2011)

Advising and Grants: While specific advisees are not listed, as a full professor and co-editor of major volumes, he likely mentors graduate students and junior scholars. He has served in leadership roles including President of the Academy of Legal Studies in Business and Co-Chair of UN/CEFACT LG, indicating grant and policy influence. His work has shaped discourse on transnational anti-corruption frameworks.

Labs and Teams: He is affiliated with the Department of Legal Studies and Business Ethics at Wharton and is part of the core faculty of the Central Eurasian Studies Society at Penn. He co-chairs the Anti-Corruption Law Interest Group, reflecting active collaboration in scholarly networks.